The best kept secret in Montana? Whitefish

Pack your bags fellow Seattlites because I just planned your next vacay.  And no pressure, but in this gal's honest opinion - you should probably book a flight to Whitefish, Montana ASAP. We're all used to the vacation go-tos: Los Angeles, Hawaii, New York

Photos: Would you cross a suspension bridge hung 230 feet in the air?

Photos: You can explore Vancouver on miniature ferry boats - annnnnd life is complete

DAW THEY ARE SOOOOO CUTE!

Photos: Crashing a Long Table Dinner in Tofino, BC was the best decision we've ever made

A hundred guests gathered around for the third annual Feast Tofino Long Table Dinner to experience the six courses prepared by local chefs, and hosted by Food Network's celebrity chef Lynn Crawford.

Let’s Go Places: Skim the legendary pond at Stevens Pass

It's the final weekend at Stevens Pass, and that means the annual Pond Skim! Folks dressed in crazy outfits bombed down the ski hill and hit a 75-foot pond. Some stayed dry, and others got soaked!

Day 4: The Three Amigos hit the Rides at Disneyland

Disneyland Resort - there are tons of attractions at every turn, not to mention RIDES. For the Refined team, that got our wheels spinning - and nothing could slow us down. I mean nothing.First stop Disney California Adventure Park.With Groot standing guard

Let's Go Places: Celebrate spring with the Tulip Festival

In Holland during the 1600s, something called Tulip Mania crashed the Dutch economy. Tulips and tulip bulbs were actively bought and sold for insanely high prices-they were said to cost 10 times more than a working man's salary, making them more valuable t

Day 3 at Pixar Fest: Together Forever

When the sun goes down, Disney California Adventure Park transforms.It becomes a dazzling technicolor dream world, illuminated by more than a million lights. This is Paint the Night - a parade unlike any you've ever seen before.Here, Disney and Pixar's fri

Pixar Play Parade at Disneyland Resort is Fun for the Whole Family!

It's one of the most iconic spots at Disneyland. Main Street. The gateway to everything the park has to offer, and the perfect setting for one of the most popular events at Pixar Fest, the Pixar Play Parade.Guests may remember it used to be over at Disney

Visit Seattle yacht sails the globe in the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race

What has eight legs, six ocean crossings, and takes more than 700 people to perform?No, it's not a giant tarantula, nor is it the start of a bad joke. It's the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race-known as one of the biggest challenges of the natural world a

Do you LOVE or HATE the planning part of traveling? This goes out to the haters...

Heading out on vacation is full of excitement for the adventure ahead. But before you can go, there is the planning. Where do you want to go? Where do you want to stay? What will you do while on holiday? Some people love the planning portion of a trip and

People are raving about these Olympic Peninsula attractions-find out why

Mountains, rainforests, and beaches…oh my!Just across Puget Sound lies an array of natural wonders, all conveniently located in the beautiful, yet compact, Olympic Peninsula. You may only know this region of the Northwest for Olympic National Park,

Let's Go Places: Oyster Harvesting

We all know the saying, The world is your oyster. But what you might not know is that you don't need to travel far to shuck and slurp some of the best oysters in the world.Taylor Shellfish Farms in Shamish Bay is just an hour and a half outside of Seattle

Hawaii Day 5: Learning the Hula

Enter here for your chance to win a vacation for four to Hawaii, including four nights at Aulani, A Disney Resort and Spa on Oahu!Refined's experience at Aulani - A Disney Resort & Spa wouldn't be complete without learning the hula. We think Gaard might be

Hawaii Day 4: Gettin' our sweat on!

Enter here for your chance to win a vacation for four to Hawaii, including four nights at Aulani, A Disney Resort and Spa on Oahu!Time is running out for your chance to win a dream Hawaiian vacation to Aulani - A Disney Resort & Spa. All week, we've been s

Let's go places: See the Avalanche Dogs at Stevens Pass

Located just 78 miles from Seattle, nestled in the rocky crest of the Cascade Mountains, lies Stevens Pass. It's a playground for expert skiers and a haven for people looking to get out of the city, but this natural landscape demands respect as well as app

Hawaii Day 3: It's time for Happy Hour!

Enter here for your chance to win a vacation for four to Hawaii, including four nights at Aulani, A Disney Resort and Spa on Oahu!All week, we are taking Refined viewers on a Hawaiian adventure, with a chance for you to win a tropical trip for four to Aula

Listen Up! Here's How You Could Win a Hawaiian Family Vacation

It’s one of our favorite times of the year – time to show you Aulani, A Disney Resort and Spa! You don’t just have to see how much fun we’re having in Hawaii - you actually get a chance to head there too!Just enter below for your chance to win a vacation f

Hawaii Day 1: Aulani - A Disney Resort & Spa

Enter here for your chance to win a vacation for four to Hawaii, including four nights at Aulani, A Disney Resort and Spa on Oahu!It's that time of year when you  might start planning your spring and summer getaways. And one of the hottest destinations rig

Seattleites - Consider Heading Down Under For Amazing Adventure

My family and I recently embarked on what was a dream trip for me. I’ve been obsessed with Australia since I was a child. My extensive koala bear stuffed animal collection filled my days along with learning the all the words to Australian nursery rhymes li

Photos: If you like over-the-top luxury, you'll love the new downtown hotel

Let's Go Places: Emerald City Comic Con

Seattle is home to a lot of awesome people and places, but there’s only one time a year where you can REALLY let your inner-geek out! Yup, we’re talking about Emerald City Comic Con.The massive event brings superfans together for a truly unique experience

All aboard the Love Boat, complete with Little Vicki

Little Vicki - err, I mean Jill Whelan - is now 51-years-young. She's married, still dabbles in acting, and holds a new title these days - the Celebration Ambassador to Princess Cruises.So who better to give us a tour of one of the Princess Love Boats comi

San Diego Travel Guide: The Do's and Don'ts

Let's Go Places: The stunning snow geese of Skagit Valley

There is a lot to love about Western Washington. The people, the vibe, the sports teams. One thing in particular that seems to consistently amaze is just how photogenic the state can be. Photographers travel from all over the country to get a glimpse of th

Photos: A Non-Gambler's Guide to Having Fun in Vegas

Yes, it's possible.

11 ways to fly more comfortably (including compression socks!)

Flying is a part of almost all our lives but honestly it has become uncomfortable and a huge hassle. Make flying comfortable and healthy so your next trip is a blast instead of a drag. Being able to see different parts of the world is exciting but the actu

Let's Go Places: The breathtaking adventure right outside of the city

Both adventure enthusiast and families simply looking for a good Sunday hike need not look any further than the glorious, breathtaking trail at Franklin Falls at Snoqualmie Pass. Obviously, the people of Seattle had to check it out.At less than a mile long

Photos: Snowy Franklin Falls is a breath-taking gem right outside the city

Diamonds: A City’s Best Friend

Seattle is known for being a hip and trendy place, and now the city has the Diamonds to prove it! The Seattle area has added not one, not two, not three, but FOUR new AAA Four Diamond hotels to their list of elite properties. In total, Washington State has

Hey Adventure-Seekers, This is the Car for You

In the Pacific Northwest, there are countless adventures you can head out on. From the city to country, mountains to sound - the great outdoors are even GREATER up here. But to get to all those places, you need a car that can handle anything. Never was thi

National Geographic names Olympia one of the 29 Best Small Cities in America

We've said it before, we'll say it again - Olympia doesn't get the kudos it deserves! Well, National Geographic (and us, of course - but NatGeo is a slightly bigger deal - we guess) is changing that.The magazine compiled a list of the 29 Best Small Cities

Next time you go to Mexico, skip Cabo and head to Riviera Maya

I asked my new husband to be in charge of a couple things pertaining to our wedding - and picking a honeymoon spot was one of them. Having never been to Mexico before and with the crazy amount of all inclusive resorts all over, this decision was one that I

Insider tips on the best winter hiking in Juneau

For outdoor enthusiasts, avid hikers and free spirits, Juneau, AK presents unmatched opportunities for adventure. Only two and a half hours from Seattle by plane, this city boasts thirty-odd trailheads within minutes of downtown.Several trailheads are a sh

Photos: This six-mile dogsled ride we took in Leavenworth was the highlight of our year

A quick trip to Juneau, AK is the relaxing getaway we all need

If holiday festivities often leave you feeling eager for a low-key getaway and you actually manage to scrape together some time off, there’s no better place to spend it than in Juneau, AK. Here are a few highlights.

The most festive activities in Seattle are just a short trip away

The holidays are in full swing in Seattle, but if you think you've seen it all before, you might be surprised by what you're missing out on. Some of the best activities are just a short seaplane ride or boat cruise away.Christmas in Victoria, British Colum

Girls’ Getaway! The perfect stop is Tulalip Resort Casino

These days, it’s hard to connect in person when you live a busy life, especially if you are a mother of young children. But if you’re looking to sneak away for a girls’ getaway, Tulalip Resort Casino, just 30 minutes north of Seattle, is a great way to rel

6 memory-making moments that will turn a Semiahmoo trip into a tradition

Though traditions are often rooted in the activities of years past, they also change along with the people who uphold them. If you’re looking to put a fresh spin on your seasonal traditions, look no further than Semiahmoo Resort.This coastal retreat a mere

Enter the Wacky World of Marsh's Free Museum in Long Beach

Home of Jake the Alligator Man.

Everything you must do in Enumclaw, the 'Gateway to Mt. Rainier'

There's nothing quite like standing in the shadow of Mount Rainier. Ever seen Gilmore Girls? Enumclaw is about as Stars Hollow as it gets here on the west coast. About 50 miles south east of Seattle, Enumclaw is an idyllic getaway that lies right under the

Photos: No matter the season, Poo Poo Point is worth the trek

Wordplay entirely aside...

Win a two-night seaside escape to Semiahmoo Resort

Surrounded by water on three sides with incredible mountain views, Semiahmoo Resort, Golf, and Spa’s iconic setting has an immediate effect on the visitor, fostering calm, relaxation, and rejuvenation. In less than two hours from Seattle you can engage in

Get an insider's look at Semiahmoo Resort, the idyllic winter getaway

Photos: The largest, most beautiful Starbucks just opened in Shanghai

Enjoy the charms of Langley, WA with this special Clipper Vacations Christmas giveaway

If you have family coming to visit for the holidays, you might already be thinking about which local highlights you want to show off. Even if you’re not expecting visitors, the holidays are a great time to enjoy some of Washington’s charming towns and smal

Photos: Following the cranberry harvest, from farm to table (literally)

Ah, the sweet sweet life of a cranberry.

Stonehenge? In Washington? You betcha

If you've ever driven I-84 through Oregon, you may have noticed a near-perfect replica of Stonehenge perched atop a bluff on the Washington side of the Columbia River. Why is it there? I'm glad you asked!  Goldendale Washington's Stonehenge replica was bui

Photos: It's hard to decide whether the views or the food are better at Salt Hotel & Pub

Photos: When it comes to local food, Pickled Fish isn't playing games

All the cranberries used in their dishes come from right across the way.

Photos: We crashed a cranberry harvest in Long Beach, WA - and it was EPIC

It's just like those commercials - but cooler! And in our state!

Photos: Who needs a hotel when you could stay in vintage travel trailers?

Hotels are SO last year.

7 ways to get crazy cozy at Semiahmoo Resort this fall

If winter is the season to be jolly, fall is the season to be cozy. There’s nothing quite like soaking in the crisp air and slanting sun of an autumn afternoon, and there’s nothing quite like curling up by the fire afterward.Here’s how Semiahmoo Resort off

5 short flights from Seattle that will transport you worlds away

Strapped for time but itching to get on a plane and get away? Don't worry, we've got you covered with these five speedy quick flights that will ensure you spend more time carpe-ing diems rather than sitting in a metal tube halfway between start and finish.

Delight in a winter wonderland at Suncadia Resort's Winterfest

The season of sweaters, hot cocoa and cozy nights by the fire is fast approaching, and there’s no better place to spend it than at Suncadia Resort. Only two hours outside of Seattle, Suncadia offers fun family activities throughout the year and has a speci

Travel Guide: 48 hours on Camano Island

Just about an hour north of Seattle lies a place where you can escape the hustle and bustle of city life for a few hours...Camano Island, the perfect place to spend a day or a weekend away.Zoom up I-5 and start your day with a a stop at Camano Island Coffe

How to have the best girlfriends' weekend ever in Friday Harbor

By the time September rolls around it may be too late to take a summer vacation, but that should be of little concern because Friday Harbor on beautiful San Juan Island, falls within the Olympic Rain Shadow, where sun and warmer weather extend summer all t

Port Renfrew gives nature lovers tons to see and do

If you appreciate relaxing road trips with stunning views, driving the 180-mile loop around Vancouver Island known as the Pacific Marine Circle Route could be an awesome next adventure.An easy way to start is by booking a Victoria Sea and Sky Package from 

Swinomish Casino & Lodge is enhancing your experience

Swinomish Casino & Lodge has long been a beautiful and entertaining place for a weekend getaway, and ongoing upgrades throughout the casino and lodge are making it even better.Located in Anacortes, minutes west of Burlington and just off Highway 20, Swinom

Driving the Pacific Marine Circle Route makes for a delightful (& delicious) adventure

The 180 mile drive around Vancouver Island known as the Pacific Marine Circle Route is ideal for a road trip, and it’s perfectly suited to those who appreciate breathtaking vistas, slow food, great wine and a little bit of Pacific Northwest history.A conve

The best weekend getaway for couples who want to go big

Let’s be real: few things on hand are bigger than an 8,328-foot-high stratovolcano. If you’re in need of a little romantic getaway that includes a lot of adventure, Mt. St. Helens is the perfect place to go.

6 reasons why fall is the best time to Savor the San Juans

There’s no denying that the San Juan Islands are lovely in the summer, but there’s a reason that the official Savor the San Juans celebration is in the fall. The fall harvest season is one of the best times to sample the local bounty of these picturesque i

Find your perfect Northwestern escape at Suncadia

Pick a homesite and custom build your dream home, or choose from move-in-ready houses, condominiums, and cabins in three distinctively delightful neighborhoods of Suncadia. When you buy, you can make your time at Suncadia both a getaway and a homecoming. 

Goodbye summer, hello fall foliage road trips (!!)

Summer may be coming to a close but that doesn’t mean weekend road trips need to end. Fall is one of the best road trip seasons with fall foliage, pumpkin patches and apple picking opportunities. We've done the research and have put together a list of the

Fall joyously into autumn fun at Suncadia’s Harvest Festival

It’s time to excavate your favorite sweaters from the depths of your closet, unearth your scarf collection and put your pea coat on a prominent peg, because fall has arrived!If you want to take part in the best of the season’s festivities, look no further

Flying high: what it's like to take a private charter flight

Most of us put booking private charter flights in the same category as buying Birkin bags and driving a Maserati – things that sound pretty cool but that we will probably not be doing anytime soon. Or like, ever.The truth of the matter is that a charter fl

4 nearby romantic getaways that will delight and excite any Seattleite

Escaping with your partner for a weekend getaway is more than a fun vacation from the rigors of the everyday – it’s a chance to reconnect with one another. Instead of worrying about chores and other responsibilities, you can focus on enjoying the company o

Bridal Veil Falls is a low-key hike with an epic payoff

On Gravity Hill outside of Prosser, cars roll uphill BY THEMSELVES

Washington State is home to many fun and interesting places. In fact, our state might have some of the quirkiest tourist destinations to be found. One such place is Gravity Hill, just north of Prosser. Pull up to the appointed line and put your car in neut

Photos: We found the most scenic watering hole in Washington state

Just off Highway 2 - about 75 minutes northwest of Seattle - lies what is quite possibly the most scenic watering hole in all of Washington State.

Did you know that your 4x4 can be your basecamp?

From the islands scattered along the coast to the mountain ranges to the east, our city is surrounded by opportunities for outdoor adventure. Seattleites take different approaches to exploring this abundance – some take up camping by tent, others go for lo

Photos: What's more entertaining - the eclipse or Oregon Solarfest?

2017 Total Solar Eclipse in Madras, Oregon.

The coast is the most! 5 fun trips along the Pacific Coast

Seattle certainly counts as coastal, but if you want to experience the majesty of nature or small town charm you have to venture outside the city limits. If you take your trip in a roomy yet fuel efficient Honda CR-V, you can get to any of the following de

Beyond the volcano: fun finds for families visiting Mt. St. Helens

There’s no doubt that Mt. St. Helens is an enticing destination: this active stratovolcano south of Seattle teaches visitors about geology, geography and the forces that form our planet. Below are a few highlights sure to please visitors of all ages.

A Guide to Exploring The Grand Tetons

This summer, we packed our bags and headed out on a Western National Park tour. We hit up Glacier National Park, Yellowstone National Park and The Grand Tetons. Many miles were put on our sturdy Subaru as we attempted to eat healthy on the road while takin

8 Washington wineries you need to check out

Washington is a wine connoisseur's paradise. Tripling in number over the past decade, our state’s wineries have swiftly developed a reputation for their bold and robust reds and fantastic Rieslings.Happily, many of these gems are located conveniently close

Get in my belly! Our favorite Portland food trucks

Full disclosure: I was originally planning on going to Portland to write a Seattle vs. Portland food truck story. I wanted to compare and contrast the miraculous mobile food scene of our two cities - but once I got to PDX, things drastically changed. Why

Photos: The Tree of Life in Forks, WA is straight out of a storybook

Commonly referred to as "The Tree of Life", or "The Tree Root Cave", this miracle of Mother Nature lives just north of Kalaloch Lodge, near the Kalaloch Campground in Forks, WA.

A Guide to Exploring Yellowstone National Park

This summer, my family and I packed our bags and headed out on a Western National Park tour. We hit up Glacier National Park, Yellowstone National Park and The Grand Tetons. Many miles were put on our sturdy Subaru as we attempted to eat healthy on the roa

3 stops to make on your Chuckanut Drive road-trip

First completed in 1896, Chuckanut Drive’s gracious curves and splendid views have been delighting travelers for nearly 120 years. We traveled the 20-mile distance from Burlington to Fairhaven and found no shortage of fun things to do. And eat.Samish Bay C

4 awesome destinations for your last summer hurrah

It seems hard to believe, but summer is already dwindling to an end and fall, which always feels like the busiest season, is just around the corner. If you’re still aching for one last getaway, it’s not too late: you can get from Seattle to any of the dest

A Guide to Exploring Glacier National Park in Montana

This summer, my family and I packed our bags and headed out on a Western National Park tour. We hit up Glacier National Park, Yellowstone National Park and The Grand Tetons. Many miles were put on our sturdy Subaru as we attempted to eat healthy on the roa

Photos: Lava Canyon in the South Cascades is our new favorite hike

We're kind of on an outdoor kick right now - it's summer after all!

Sun, Sand and S’mores wait at Semiahmoo Resort!

Drawn-out summer vacations are the stuff of dreams, but not everyone has the time, means or inclination to disappear for an entire week? Don’t worry – Semiahmoo Resort in Blaine, Washington has everything you need for a perfect getaway.Whether you seek som

Inside WA's Ape Caves: Longest running lava tubes in continental U.S.

If you haven't noticed yet, we are huge fans of road trips. There are so many spectacular sites to see around our state and we are pretty keen on keeping you all (as well as ourselves) updated.When our photographer Sy Bean, asked if I wanted to head out on

5 perfect places to pitch your tent this summer

Picturesque and just the ticket if you need a hard reset from city living - because let's face it, all of us do sometimes - here are five pitch perfect spots to set up a hammock and crack open a cold one. Don't forget to bring the goodies for s'mores!Dosew

We took a road trip along the Columbia River & documented every step

Good Grubbin’ at Silverwood Theme Park

Just like the abundance of thrills and spills at Silverwood Theme Park, there is no shortage of good places to eat at the theme park!With so many mouth-watering restaurants to choose from, you’ll find yourself constantly craving all the delicious eats the

Absolutely delightful shows to see at Silverwood Theme Park

Most visits to Silverwood Theme Park are largely about the rides, but it’s impossible to get whipped around, rolled over and ricocheted all day without wanting a little break. Stop by one of Silverwood’s world-class shows to give your body a break and dazz

The nearby wine-lovers’ destination you’ve never heard of

Everyone knows about Napa Valley, but if you head north you’re less than three hours away from a wine-lovers' destination fewer have heard of: the Cowichan Valley.Book a Victoria Sea and Sky Package from Kenmore Air and Clipper Vacations to get to Victoria

Summering at Suncadia Resort

Slip-Sliding Fun For All at Boulder Beach Water Park

People might come to Silverwood Theme Park for the roller coasters, but they stay for Boulder Beach. The massive water park is just a short walk from the rides but it feels like a completely different place. Best of all, entry is included with your ticket

5 best ways to eat like a local in the San Juan Islands

One of the best things, hands down, about the San Juan Islands just off Washington’s northwest coast is … The. Food.Once you’ve marveled at the beauty of the journey to this gourmet archipelago–by water aboard a Washington State Ferry, or by air in a seapl

Looking for thrills? Look no further - Silverwood's got you covered!

As the largest theme park in the Northwest, Silverwood Theme Park is home to some of the baddest roller coaster rides that the region has to offer.The park boasts a whopping eight rides considered to be “high intensity thrills.” These screamers include rid

Get it OM at Whidbey's special Yoga Lodge

Earlier this year I was really feeling the frazzle. The news was overwhelming, we had some family issues and funnily enough rage tweeting into the wee small hours was doing nothing to calm my nerves.So, when I saw that my favorite yoga teacher Jennifer Isa

Win an epic family getaway that your kids will never forget

You might not know about Coeur d’Alene, Idaho right now, but if you score this grand prize then it’s a place you’re sure to remember. Seattle Refined has partnered with Silverwood Theme Park just north of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho to offer one lucky winner:4 tw